Are you swooning over precious newborn images and can’t wait for your baby’s photography session? Here are a few tips to prepare for a successful newborn photoshoot.
TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Trust is essential! Select a newborn photographer based on their experience, safety practices, and artistic style. Most newborn photographers will take time to discuss posing options with you before the session, and they’ll create beautiful images you will love. Many newborn poses require safety training and experience, so it’s crucial that you fully trust your photographer to hold and position your baby. Safety is always most important, and if you ever feel uncomfortable during the photo shoot, please share your concerns with your photographer.
STAY CALM + REST
As a photographer specializing in newborn portraits, the most important advice I can give you is to remain calm on the day of your session. Most likely, you will schedule a morning session during the first two weeks of your baby’s life.
Babies sense our emotions, and they become fussy if a parent is stressed. When a baby is tense, there are typically two causes – either a parent feels anxious, or the baby has an upset tummy. Both of these scenarios take extra time to calm the baby before a photographer can begin taking photographs.
Photographers know it’s hard to stay calm when you are sleep-deprived. It’s okay to have a load of laundry unfolded and bottles in the sink when your photographer arrives for an in-home session. We’d prefer you rest and take care of your health rather than have a perfectly organized home. Real-life is sometimes messy, and we understand.
AVOID GASSY FOODS
Did you know certain foods may cause issues such as diaper rash, tummy gas, and baby eczema? Newborn photographers typically won’t pose a baby while he/she is experiencing painful tummy gas. If you are breastfeeding, you can limit foods that may minimize tummy pain in your newborn. My advice is to avoid these tummy trouble triggers for five days leading up to your newborn photography session:
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Asparagus
- Brussel Sprouts
- Tomato-based recipes
- Excessive Dairy
- Processed Foods
- Sausage
- Spicy Foods
TAKE A FAMILY PORTRAIT!
Parents, I know you feel exhausted after a few sleepless nights, and you might not wish to pose right now. But as a mom, a huge regret I have is not being present in my babies’ newborn portraits.
You can never go back in time. If you’ve chosen a talented photographer, they will know how to make you look your best and create images you’ll treasure. Many photographers work with professional hair and makeup artists that can pamper you on this special day and make you feel fabulous; if you can afford this splurge, treat yourself!
Do you know what image your child will treasure the most? I promise it will be the image that includes you! You will be the love of your child’s early days, and this family memory is the beginning of their life story. Don’t miss this opportunity to capture your new family together in a professional portrait.
